Methods and systems for developing websites

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for developing websites are described. A business proposal can be created based on a business analysis. The business analysis can be incorporated into a functional design report. A website can be built using the functional design report.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/132,274 filed Sep. 14, 2018,which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/194,282 filed Jul. 15, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,115,062), which claims priority from U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/304,750, filed Jul. 13, 2001. The entire contents of allthese applications are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to providing business consultingservices, and more specifically, to a system and method for providingbusiness solutions to clients via the Internet.

Related Art

Investing in the right e-commerce solution is often bewildering forbusinesses and individuals. The right solution could transform a companyinto an industry leader. The wrong solution, however, wastes time,money, and market share. A poorly conceived website attracts littleattention and no new business. While the website languishes in theuncharted depths of the Internet, there's also a very real chance thatcompetitors with better websites will lure customers away. There is thusa need for an effective website strategy.

In addition, in a world where rapid technological development is thenorm, many websites fail to keep pace with the changing expectations ofonline customers. The inability to come to terms with new technologicaldevelopments condemns many websites to failure. Companies must embracenew technologies on their websites and use a dynamic presentation toengage the user. Thus, there is a need for a technologically advancedwebsite strategy.

Entities also need a dynamic and comprehensive e-commerce solution, andat a price well within reach. A website should remember users when theyreturn, and, with an interactive shopping cart system, keep track of theitems users want to buy. This familiarity fosters ease-of-use andimproves customer loyalty, creating an atmosphere likely to boost sales.What is needed is an opportunity to expand sales through traditionale-commerce, and reduce expense by analyzing the tasks carried out withinan organization and applying principles to enhance them. This allowsthese tasks to be carried out more efficiently and less expensivelythanks to the Internet, ensuring major reductions in costs.

In addition, entities need an effective, comprehensive system and methodfor accessing remote and off-shore products and services. This systemand method should ensure that required standards, quality, and processesare met. For example, it is extremely useful for entities that needwebsites to access website development services in less expensive areasof the world (e.g., India, China). As another example, it is also usefulfor entities that need to buy a product (e.g., food) or service (e.g.,financial services) to access less expensive sellers or sellers inmultiple jurisdictions. Currently, it is very difficult to connect abuyer with a seller in other countries, particularly if the country is athird world country. It is also challenging to deliver a quality productcomplying with the buyer's expectations.

Furthermore, high levels of security are required, ensuring thatcustomers' online shopping experience are simple and safe. Thus, thereis a need for a website strategy that incorporates security solutions.

In addition, a website should provide a fully featured administrationsystem that easily allows updating of the range of products offered fromthe Internet browser, with the ability to add or remove products, changeprices or launch special offers at any time of the night or day. Thus, aneed exists for a website strategy that incorporates a simpleadministrative system.

The marketing of a website is also important. Money spent developing anonline presence is money wasted if the website existence is generallyunknown. An important test of success or failure is the number of usersa website attracts. Using this benchmark, the overwhelming majority ofwebsites are failures. The chances of a user finding a website withoutknowing the uniform resource locator (URL) or being directed there by anexternal agency are low. Many strategies that work well in the physicalworld are doomed to fail in the electronic marketplace. Conversely, manytechniques that would be far too expensive to contemplate in the “real”world are viable propositions on the net, where a potentially massiveglobal audience is within easy reach. There is thus a need for a websitestrategy that includes advanced traffic-driving services (e.g., databasemarketing and search engine registration and optimization) and Internetmarketing strategies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the above needs in the prior art byproviding business solutions that are effective, include technologicaladvances, utilize e-commerce, offer secure solutions, are simple toadminister, incorporate Internet marketing strategies, and provide meansfor effectively accessing remote (e.g., offshore) products and services.In an embodiment of the present invention, a host helps connect a client(e.g., Canada, the United States) with a developer in a less expensivearea (e.g., India, China) with a high profile, state-of-the-art,customized, online website. In other embodiments of the presentinvention, a host helps connect a client with a product or service(e.g., food, computer hardware, toys) offered in a less expensive area.

The present invention incorporates a high-efficiency development model.This model has been developed through identifying common components thatcomprise different client solutions. By breaking out these componentsand refining them into functional modules that can deliver highfunctionality, developers around the world can rapidly develop Internetsolutions without writing programming code from scratch for eachsolution. Since each module is developed with great planning andattention to detail, the functionality of these modules meets andexceeds most client requirements. In addition, the model demonstratesgreat efficiency by using a standardized format for submitting siterequirements and content (e.g., a functional design).

For example, in one embodiment an Internet Consultant (IC) (e.g.,independent contractor or employee of a host company) contacts apotential client, completes a business analysis by obtaining informationabout the client's company and desired website components, and creates aproposal. The client accepts the proposal and the IC and the clientdefine functional modules (e.g., a functional design) tailored to theclient so that the host can connect the IC and the client with aprogrammer (e.g., in a less expensive area) that can create thecustomized website. Those experienced in the art will realize that theprogrammer can be a host employee, an independent contractor, or anotherentity. The business analysis, proposal, and defined functional modulesare based upon defined common components that the host has compiled.This is important because when a website is developed off-shore, a majorchallenge is ensuring that client requirements have been adequatelydocumented, thereby dramatically reduces errors and downtime. The IC andhost are versed in a blueprint language so that each party can quicklycommunicate and assess the components, features, and content of thewebsite. As the architect and the construction worker communicatethrough shared drafting standards and norms, the functional designaccomplishes the same task between the client and the developer ofInternet solutions.

Internet solutions are developed and delivered with building blocks thatcan be rapidly assembled by developers, ensuring that development timesare minimized and the solution is highly cost efficient for the client.This allows the present invention to offer levels of quality,functionality, and cost effectiveness to clients that is unmatchedglobally.

The present invention gauges the needs and provides solutions to help aclient better do business on the Internet. The present invention workswith the client to use practical tools and marketing solutions on theInternet to grow the client's business.

The system and method of the invention provide ICs with an effective andefficient way of delivering specialized business solutions to theirclients via the Internet. The system includes a terminal and a serverthat are operationally connected to each other through couplings and anetwork (e.g., the Internet).

In an embodiment of the invention, a method for delivering specializedbusiness solutions is provided that includes six phases, each of whichis completed before moving on to the next phase.

The first phase is the business analysis phase, during which an ICand/or host establishes rapport with a prospective client and creates abusiness strategy for a network, such as the Internet, for the client byresearching the client business and market.

The second phase is the functional design phase, during which the ICgathers the client's information to create a network website, includingall of the client's functional requirements.

The third phase is the building phase of the website, during whichcoding and database integration for the website are produced inaccordance with the functional design phase.

The fourth phase is the testing phase of all the functional requirementsof the website to ensure that they meet the client's requirements.

The fifth phase is the launching phase, which places the website live ona server and registers the website with all appropriate search enginesto optimize traffic levels. All client internal and operations processesassociated with the website are also implemented and validated duringthe launching phase.

The sixth phase is the managing results phase, during which the IC andclient meet at regular intervals to review website traffic, tounderstand which components of the website are successful and whichareas may need further review, and to implement marketing andpromotional activities. The IC and client can also identify potentialsubsequent enhancements to the website during the managing phase.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken inconjunction with the drawings in which like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview pictogram of system elements inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of the method for delivering aspecialized Internet business solution website to a prospective client,in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating business analysis phase 205,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating functional design phase 210,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating creative concept guideline process410, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating functional requirement process 415,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating website plan process 420, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating page information sheet process 425,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating database guideline 430, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating building phase 215, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating testing phase 220, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating launch phase 225, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating managing results phase 230,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 14-43 are screen shots illustrating use of the system 100 andmethod 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, method andcomputer program product for providing website business solutions toclients via the Internet.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a host organization providesand allows access to a tool that enables clients to order and receivewebsite business solutions via the global Internet. That is, the serviceprovider would provide the hardware (e.g., servers) and software (e.g.,database) infrastructure, application software, customer support, andbilling mechanism to allow its ICs (e.g., independent contractors, hostorganization employees) to create guidelines for effective and efficientWebsites for clients. The tool is used by the host to create websitesbased on the guidelines.

The level of detail collected by the present invention, which has notbeen seen in any conventional systems, allows ICs the ability toeffectively and efficiently provide customized website solutions toclients.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the host provides a WorldWide Web site where an IC, using a computer and Web browser software,can remotely view and receive host information, in addition tosubmitting information to the host.

In an alternate embodiment, the tool that provides website businesssolutions resides, instead of on the global Internet, locally onproprietary equipment owned by a host as a stand alone system softwareapplication.

The present invention is described in terms of the above examples. Thisis for convenience only and is not intended to limit the application ofthe present invention. In fact, after reading the following description,it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how toimplement the following invention in alternative embodiments.

The terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “company,” “businessconcern,” “broadcaster,” “corporate advertiser,” “advertising agency,”and the plural form of these terms are used interchangeably throughoutherein to refer to those who would access, use, and/or benefit from thetool that the present invention provides.

System Overview

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview pictogram of system 100 elements inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system ofthe invention provides one or more ICs 101 with an effective andefficient way of delivering specialized business solutions to theirclients via the Internet. The system includes a terminal 102 and aserver 103 that are operationally connected to each other throughcouplings 105, 106, and a network 104 (e.g., the Internet). Terminal 102includes a user interface to capture information on the client, clientbusiness, client market, and client's functional requirements; a memory,operationally coupled to the user interface, to store the capturedclient's information and functional requirements; and a processor,operationally coupled to a user interface and memory, to create abusiness strategy and specialized business solutions for the clientbased on the client's information and functional requirements. Theserver 103 delivers the business strategy and specialized businesssolutions to the client via network 104.

In this embodiment, the website developer is an employee of the host,and is thus described as the host. In alternative embodiments, thewebsite developer could be an independent contractor, a companydifferent from the host, or another entity.

Method Overview

FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of the method for providing websitebusiness solutions to clients, in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. In step 205, a business analysis is completed by questioningthe client, analyzing the client's responses, and preparing a clientproposal during the business analysis phase. In step 210, the businessanalysis is incorporated into a functional design during the functionaldesign phase. In step 215, a website is built using the functionaldesign specifications and solutions/code during the building phase. Instep 220, the website is tested by the IC and the client during thetesting phase. In step 225, the website is launched during the launchingphase. In step 230, the website is managed during the managing resultsphase.

Business Analysis Phase

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating business analysis phase 205,according to an embodiment of the present invention. The presentinvention, in order to optimize a client's Internet marketing strategy,employs an Internet business analysis. The business analysis offers acomprehensive overview of an entity's current status. As part of thebusiness analysis, a company's internal workings are thoroughly examinedwith a view to improving internal efficiencies and streamlining businesssystems. The business analysis, however, also looks at the company in abroader market context, clearly identifying competitive advantages andtarget markets, and suggesting ways to increase customer loyalty andretention. By providing the benchmarks by which a website's success canbe measured, the business analysis allows the tailoring of an Internetbusiness strategy designed to produce significant return on investment.

In step 305, the host or IC makes an initial client contact. This can bethrough a host website or some other contact (e.g., a telephone call orletter from the IC). For example, the host can post information on thewebsite explaining the method 200, and asking for client information.The client information can include, for example, contact information,goals and objectives for the client's website (e.g., lead generation,sell products/services to defined market, automate current businesspractices), websites that have appealed to the client, current clientwebsite information (if any), and aspects of a business analysis thatinterest the client (e.g., how the Internet can increase companyrevenue, how a client can realize a return on an Internet investment,how to sell products/services to a predefined market, how to decreasecompany costs by streamlining business functions; how improved businessefficiencies will add to business time management).

In step 310, the IC completes initial research and analysis. Theresearch and analysis can include client research (e.g., key decisionmakers, company size, news events affecting the company, key clients),market research (e.g., target market, key industry terminology andtrends, key competitors, industry challenges), Internet research (e.g.,host-developed websites in the same industry, current client website andits effectiveness, news events regarding how the Internet is affectingthe client's industry), and documentation of the research.

In step 315, the IC makes a presentation to the client, explaining thehost's service and the business analysis. In step 320, the IC initiatesan Internet business analysis by securing client responses to questionsrelated to a desired client website (e.g., Internet familiarity,business practices, and desired Internet features). The businessanalysis can include, but is not limited to, the following: thecompany's selling points, sources of growth, competitor information,customer business cycles, business challenges, business accomplishments,network organizations, company publications, mailing list information,marketing information, products or services for sale, promotionalinformation, company branded positioning, customer service information,and customer relationship cultivation information.

In step 325, the IC completes the business analysis by interpreting theresponses to the business analysis questions using an IC guide. The ICguide provides explanations for the answers desired and received fromthe business analysis questions.

In optional step 326, an estimate verification is completed. Theestimate verification is accessed online, and enables the IC tocommunicate questions regarding functionality, unique customizations, orfeasibility requests to the host before obtaining a signed contract withthe client. This enables the IC to obtain accurate information (e.g.,pricing, delivery time) for the proposal.

In step 330, the host incorporates the business analysis into anInternet business solution proposal. The Internet business solutionproposal outlines the general and specific possibilities andopportunities the host can offer to the client. The Internet businesssolution proposal also includes a detailed pricing breakdown and aproposed timeline. The Internet business solution proposal can include,but is not limited to: Internet benefits, consultant services, Internetsolutions overview, corporate information and identity, e-commercesolutions (e.g., personal shopping cart technology, sales managementtools), product or service presentation, customer communicationinformation, business-to-business commerce, internal communications,customer service, marketing, multimedia website/Internet infrastructuremaintenance, training, and pricing.

In step 335, the IC presents the Internet business solution proposal tothe client and obtains client approval to proceed with the proposal.

Functional Design Phase

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating functional design process 210,according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 405, the ICsecures client approval to register or transfer the client's domainname. In step 410, the IC secures client approval for creative conceptguidelines, which controls how the website will look. In step 415, theIC secures client approval for functional requirement guidelines, whichare the specific activities and experiences available to the client or asurfer when using the website. In step 420, the IC secures clientapproval for a website plan, which is partially based on the functionalrequirement guidelines. In step 425, the IC creates page informationsheets identified in the website plan. The specific details of each pageare documented to communicate required information to the host. The ICmay draw from a storehouse of established page information sheets tostreamline IC and host activities. In step 430, the IC defines databaseguidelines, which enable communication of known, specific data fieldsand their logistical groupings that are required for display andfunctionality within the website. In step 435, the IC reviews afunctional design report, which can also be used throughout thefunctional design process to gather and document which parts of thefunctional design process have been completed. The functional designreport is a summary or checklist that ensures a complete submission ofdata and thus helps avoid project delays. In step 440, the IC submitsthe functional design package to the host. In an alternative embodiment,the host and IC can access a mail feature that enables communicationthroughout the functional design process.

The functional design can be completed online or offline. When online,in an alternative embodiment, the IC has the option to access otherfeatures. The IC may save documentation and archive this documentationfor future access, in case similar jobs are completed in the future. Inaddition, the IC has an online ability to access a knowledge base ofpreviously submitted functional designs, in case similar jobs havealready been completed. Furthermore, when online, the IC draws from astorehouse of standard website plans, providing greater efficiency tothe process. The IC then has the option to modify and re-upload, ifneeded.

Creative Concept Guidelines. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating creativeconcept guideline process 410, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The creative concept guidelines are defined to help the hostand client communicate the look, feel, and style concepts of thewebsite. In step 505, the client completes website research utilizing ICguidelines, identifying, for example, existing preferred websites andstyles.

In step 510, the client selects a custom design or fastrack styleproject path. The custom design allows the client to provide guidelinesfor a custom website. These guidelines are based on defining a client'sapproach to the market and reviewing a variety of website styles. Thefastrack style allows the client to select among different predesignedstyles, colors and layouts created by the host. The fastrack style oftenresults in faster production of the website because custom work is notdone and client approvals for the custom design are eliminated.

If the custom design path is selected, a custom design is completed instep 515. If the fast-track style path is selected, at least onefast-track style is chosen in step 520. In step 525, the custom designor at least one fast-track style is incorporated into the functionaldesign report.

Functional Requirement Guidelines. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustratingfunctional requirement process 415, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The functional requirements include the specificactivities and experiences available to the client or the surfer whenusing the website. Functional requirements include, but are not limitedto: specific Internet applications (SIAs) (e.g., customized and fastrackvirtual agency, virtual restaurant, digital dealership, world merchantsystem); Internet marketing tools (dynamic information system, loginsystem multiple users, file download link, standard form, webboard/chat, guest book, online employment system, form based autoresponder, text editor, intuitive marketing technology—cookies, dynamicsurvey system, scrolling marquee, image managers, document managementsystem); creative services (e.g., concept draft, single pages, 360degree panoramic imaging and hot spot; pop-ups/thumbnail imaging, mouseover, animated text, animated GIF, logo design, individual bannerdesign, corporate identity); database table integration (e.g., databasetable, database content editors, database search, file upload);production center specific products (e.g., dynamic concept draft,categories, banner system, under construction page, email stationary,360 imaging, concept draft; corporate bid consulting; multiple fastrackstyles, fastrack flash banners, fastrack static banners, educationalinformation system, web board, vertical scrolling marquee, HTML editor,horizontal image scroller, vertical image scroller, event schedulingsystem, flash options, job information, guest book, forum, e-marketer,virtual travel agency, floating banner, shopping cart, info-links,concept drafts); multi-media and special services (e.g.,shockwave/flash); and e-commerce products (e.g., world merchant system,credit card processing system). In another embodiment, package specials,which combine multiple functions into pre-set packages with reducedprice, are also offered. In a further embodiment, miscellaneous services(e.g., project management services, design or development services,database analysis, technical management services) are also offered.

In step 605, the IC reviews the client Internet business solutionproposal to determine which functional requirements the client desires.In step 610, which is optional, the IC can again review with the clienteach functional component of the website. For example, one function isto provide sensitive product data access to customers.

In step 615, functional data is entered into the functional designreport. For each functional requirement or business event, the functionor event is broken down into the specific steps required to achieve thefunction. For example, if the function is to provide sensitive productdata access to customers, the specific steps are: selecting productinformation retrieval function; entering user name and password toaccess information; accepting/rejecting user name and password;submitting search or product documentation on a specific subject;presenting product list to select from; and selecting an appropriatelisted item for viewing.

Website Plan. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating website plan process420, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The websiteplan communicates the page structure of the website to the host,organizing information into logical groups and functions. In step 705,the key functions of the website are identified and grouped. In step710, each major function is divided into logical steps, and the priorityof each function is determined. For example, information on products ispresented through categorization, where the IC indicates that categoriesshould be displayed first, then products, then product details.

In step 715, footnotes are added to explain functions or conditions fornavigation from one page to the next. In step 720, the functioninformation is incorporated into website plan. In an embodiment of thepresent invention, the website plan is adjusted to comply with hoststandards. For example, the website plan could be adjusted to meetcertain margin, typeface, and organizational chart requirements. In step730, the website plan is sent to the host to help confirm IC and clientexpectations regarding how the website is to be administered.

Page Information Sheets. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating pageinformation sheet process 425, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Creation of the page information sheets can occur in tandemwith the website plan creation. The page information sheets document thespecific details of each page for the host, and include all the media toappear on a specific page, including direct documentation of text, crossreference of graphics files, and descriptions of all page functions.

In step 805, the page title information is completed. The title of thepage, which includes keywords, should be as descriptive as possible. Instep 810, the page description is completed. The page descriptionaccompanies the page title on results listings from search engines andmay influence a surfer to enter the page when reviewing search engineoutput listings. In step 815, keywords or keyphrases are identified. Instep 820, the functionality of each page is detailed. These requirementshelp the host make the page, and are a key component of documentation inthe testing process. In step 825, the text that will appear on the pageis included. In step 830, all image files that will be displayed on thepage are cross-referenced. In step 835, example websites are included tohelp the host understand the client's desired page design, layout orfunctionality are documented.

Database Guidelines. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating databaseguideline process 430, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The database element guidelines enable the IC to communicatespecific database requirements for display and to drive functions withinthe website.

In step 905, the key functions defined within the functional designguidelines and the website plan are used to identify the key datafields. In step 910, the data fields are logically grouped to helpcommunicate the data structure to the host. In step 915, examples ofeach data field are provided so that the host can better understand thedesired data structure.

In step 920, the specific functionality of each data field is explainedto communicate how the data should be structured and how the data shouldbe presented. In step 925, the data field information is grouped in adatabase definition document. In optional step 930, live data is added.If there are large quantities of data that require uploading to thedatabase prior to a website going live, the IC can attach all clientdata in a separate spreadsheet. This data can be used in testing and canbe available immediately when the website goes live.

Functional Design Summary Report. The functional design summary reportis reviewed to make sure the core pieces of the functional design (e.g.,creative concept guidelines, functional requirement guidelines) arecompleted.

Screen Shots. FIGS. 14-26 are screen shots illustrating the functionaldesign phase, in an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 14-15 arescreen shots illustrating the creative concept guidelines. FIGS. 16-17are screen shots illustrating the functional requirement guidelines.FIG. 18 is an screen shot illustrating the website plan feature. FIGS.19-20 are screen shots illustrating the page information feature. FIG.21 is an screen shot illustrating the database feature. FIG. 22 is ascreen shot illustrating the summary report feature. This screen shotcan be accessed at any time to view the status of the creative concept,functional requirements, website plan, page information, and databasefeatures. FIGS. 23-26 are additional screen shots illustrating thefunctional design phase.

Building Phase

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating building phase 215, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The building phase assists the ICand the host in managing the production of the website to ensureeffective solution delivery and client satisfaction. The buildingprocess emphasizes quality control project management and clientinvolvement, and allows for ensuring acceptance of the functionaldesign, tracking production issues for resolution, reviewing creativeconcept, layout and development drafts of the website, and managingchanges to the scope of the website.

In step 1010, the IC submits a new project request to the host. In step1015, the host reviews and either rejects or accepts the new projectrequest. If the submission is rejected, in step 1020, the host notifiesthe IC as to why the project was rejected (e.g., the submission requireschanges, the host cannot support the product request due to resourceconstraints).

If the submission is accepted, in optional step 1025, the IC securesclient approval for the logo guidelines. The logo design is a flat (noanimation) graphic design prototype of the client's new logo. The ICreviews the logo guidelines, documents any issues using an issuetracking tool (e.g., an online tool), presents the logo to the client,enters required changes in the issue resolution tracking section, andhas the client sign the logo approval form once identified changes inthe issue tracking tool have been made.

In step 1030, the IC secures client approval for the creative conceptguidelines. The creative concept is the graphic design prototype, lookand feel of the website. The IC compares the creative concept draft tothe functional design requirements, documents any issues, presents thedraft to the client, enters required changes in the issue resolutiontracking section, and has the client sign the approval form onceidentified changes in the issue tracking tool have been made.

In optional step 1035, the IC secures client approval for flash designguidelines. The flash design is an animated sequence that may vary incomplexity based on the number of animated actions in the sequence. Theflash design may also consist of multiple, distinct sequences that areto appear in different sections of the website. The IC reviews the flashdraft, documents any issues, presents the flash to the client, entersrequired changes in the issue resolution section, and has the clientsign the flash approval form.

In step 1040, the IC secures client approval for the layout guidelines.The layout is the graphic design of an entire custom website. It iscomposed of all the pages of the website, unless certain pages arerepetitive. The layout displays the color, layout, and navigation of thewebsite. The layout is an opportunity to review all the visual elementsof the website before coding. The layout guidelines do not apply tofastrack projects, but only custom projects. The IC reviews the layoutdraft, presents the layout draft to the client, enters required changesin the issue resolution section, and has the client sign the layoutapproval form.

In step 1045, the IC secures client approval for the development draft.The development draft is the working version of the website. It iscomposed of all the pages of the website, and includes active navigationlinks, animation, database driven pages, calculation, validation, andfunctionality. It also includes any administration functions for thecontent management of the website. The development draft provides arepresentation of the layout and the functions of the website. Thedevelopment draft should be a representation of what the website willlook like and how it will function when it is live. The developmentdraft approval process involves detailed testing of the website. The ICreviews the development draft, documents any issues, presents thedevelopment draft to the client, enters required changes in the issueresolution section, and has the client sign the development draftapproval form.

In step 1050, the IC secures client approval of any change controlguidelines. The change control documents the new client requirementsafter the client has signed a contract and the website has already beensubmitted for production. In this case, the IC maps the changes on thewebsite plan, creates page information sheets, defines database dataelements, and transmits all change control documents to the host.

Screen Shots. FIGS. 27-43 are screen shots illustrating the buildingphase, in an embodiment of the present invention. In alternativeembodiments, the screen shots can be used in other phases of theinvention. For example, FIGS. 41-43 are on-line accounting-relatedscreen shots that can be used during the building phase, as well asother phases of the present invention.

Testing Phase

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating testing phase 220, according to anembodiment of the present invention. The testing phase is designed toinsure a quality solution, emphasizing quality control and clientinvolvement. In step 1105, the IC tests the development draft of thewebsite. The development draft is the working version of the websiteafter coding and programming. Issues are noted in the issues trackingand reviewed by the host, with a subsequent development draft beingcreated. Testing includes unit testing (verifies that all individualwebsite functions perform), integration testing (verifies that functionsor applications interface), compatibility testing (verifies website canbe viewed and accessed by large majority of public), system testing(verifies client's hardware, software, and networking components supportthe website), security testing (verifies website is immune tounauthorized attempts to access it), error message testing (verifieswebsite properly notifies the user of any errors), volume/stress testing(verifies weak points under varying workloads), destructive testing(verifies how the website responds to unusual or unexpected situations),and performance testing (verifies how the website measures againstservice-level requirements). In step 1110, the client tests thedevelopment draft to verify that all business functions from theclient's point of view are operating correctly. Issues are noted in theissues tracking and reviewed by the host, with a subsequent developmentdraft being created. Once the client is satisfied with the developmentdraft, the client signs a final approval form.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the host implementstechnical testing standards that have been tested extensively by ICs andclients for usability and other desired features.

Launching Phase

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating launch phase 225, according to anembodiment of the present invention. During the launching phase, thewebsite is placed live on the Internet and the IC and the client workclosely to ensure the website's success as a true business solution.

In step 1210, the IC reviews the client's level of connectivity and thesystems configuration. If needed, a recommendation for an Internetservice provider (ISP) and a systems consultant is provided.

In step 1215, the website is activated, which is the process of makingthe website available for public view on the Internet. The processinvolves many steps and includes the movement of files between serversand directories. The IC ensures that the domain name resides on thehost's server, completes all sections of the website online requestform, and reviews website functions.

In step 1220, the website is populated by the production data. Manywebsites include databases and content client side interfaces that storedata. In most cases, these were built using a sub-set of the data thatwill be available on the website when it is online. In these cases, theremaining data is populated after the website is launched. In thisprocess, the appropriate text and images, database tables are populated.In addition all test functions associated with each page are completed.

In step 1225, the web site is registered with search engines. One of thekey ways to drive targeted traffic is to ensure that the website isranked high within search engine listings. The client should beconsulted to discuss search engine strategies. The impact andoptimization of the search engines are discussed, and existing trafficreports are reviewed. Then the website should be registered with themajor search engines, and community and industry-specific search enginesand hub-websites. The registration efforts are documented for theclient's records.

In step 1230, client training is conducted so that the client becomesfamiliar with the website's inner-workings and is further invested inthe website's success. In addition, topics of interest to the client arediscussed.

In step 1235, marketing activities are performed. These includeconducting a marketing business analysis, reviewing a client'scollateral material, and considering: online and offline marketingoptions (e.g., email marketing, traditional direct mail, traditionalprint, radio and television advertising), a web warming party, pressreleases about the website, banner advertising and a referral program.

Managing Results Phase

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating managing results phase 230,according to an embodiment of the present invention. The managingresults phase is designed to provide after-launch client management andservices that ensure client satisfaction while driving more business forthe IC and host. In step 1305, principles of client management areapplied. These principles are applied throughout the process 200, butare particularly important during the manage results phase when theclient is most sensitive to the value of what they have purchased. Theseprinciples include educating the client, setting and meetingexpectations, and staying in regular contact with the client.

In step 1310, the IC and the client discuss the website's server report.The client is given the option of a standard (no access to websitetraffic analysis) or premium web-hosting option (includes access towebsite traffic analysis). If the client selects the premium option, aservice such as that provided by Urchin Software Corp. can be used totrack data on the website.

In step 1315, the website is enhanced, if needed. Internet technologiesand the global market are in constant change, and thus the client isgiven the option of upgrading. If an upgrade is desired, a subsequentbusiness analysis is run, and the process 200 begins again.

In step 1320, the client is queried about the return on investment.Based upon previously agree upon criteria, the IC polls the client aboutthe website's performance and the client's satisfaction.

In step 1325, the client is surveyed. Assessment and feedback areessential elements for continuous improvement. Documenting clientfeedback allows the host and IC to evaluate the business. The surveyasks for feedback, including, but not limited to, feedback about the IC,the client's experience, the process, and the client's satisfaction withtheir Internet solution.

In step 1330, a referral program is set up. The IC and client agree on areferral program. The IC agrees to provide compensation (e.g., pay apreset sum, provide client credit) for every referral that results in asigned contract. This gives the client added incentive to work with thehost and IC in the future.

CONCLUSION

The present invention is described in terms of the above embodiments.This is for convenience only and is not intended to limit theapplication of the present invention. In fact, after reading thedescription of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilledin the relevant art(s) how to implement the present invention inalternative embodiments.

In addition, it should be understood that FIGS. 1-13 described above,which highlight the functionality and advantages of the presentinvention, are presented for example purposes only. The architecture ofthe present invention is sufficiently flexible and configurable, suchthat it may be utilized in ways other than that shown in FIGS. 1-13.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the screens shown herein,which highlight the functionality of the present invention, arepresented for example purposes only. The software architecture (andthus, the screens) of the present invention are sufficiently flexibleand configurable such that users may navigate through the system andmethod in a manner other than those shown in the screen shots.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for developingcustomized website business solutions, comprising: creating a businessproposal based on a business analysis; incorporating the businessanalysis into a functional design report; and building a website usingthe functional design report.